ITS sequencing – Page 13

Invasive fungal infections caused by rare yeast-like fungi in adult patients: results of a prospective study

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This study examined rare fungal infections in 30 critically ill adult patients over 18 years, finding that infections caused by uncommon yeasts like Trichosporon and Rhodotorula affected mainly long-term ICU patients with central lines. Despite treatment with antifungal medications, about 37% of patients died, highlighting the serious nature of these infections. The research emphasizes the importance of quickly identifying the specific fungus causing infection and using appropriate medications, along with removing infected catheters, to improve patient survival.

Optimal liquid-based DNA preservation for DNA barcoding of field-collected fungal specimens

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This research compares two liquid preservation solutions for storing fungal samples collected in the field. RNAlater and DESS both work well for preserving fungal DNA, but RNAlater performs better when samples are dried before DNA extraction. The study helps researchers choose the best method for preserving and studying wild fungi in natural ecosystems.

Four New or Newly Recorded Species from Freshwater Habitats in Jiangxi Province, China

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Scientists surveying freshwater streams in Jiangxi Province, China discovered four fungal species new to the region. Three of these species had never been described before, while one was recorded in China for the first time. Using both microscope observations and DNA analysis, researchers confirmed these findings and classified them within the fungal families Pleurotheciaceae and Pseudodactylariaceae. These discoveries demonstrate how much fungal diversity still remains undiscovered in freshwater ecosystems.

Diversity of Fungal Genera Associated with Shot-Hole Disease in Cherry Blossoms Across Korea

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Cherry blossom trees in Korea are commonly affected by shot-hole disease, which causes holes in leaves and reduces flowering. Researchers found that four different fungi cause this disease, not just one as previously thought: Alternaria, Diaporthe, Epicoccum, and Botryosphaeria. The types of fungi vary by region and between urban and rural areas, suggesting different management strategies may be needed in different locations.

Disseminated Lichtheimia ramosa infection in a Japanese Black calf

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A young calf developed a serious fungal infection caused by Lichtheimia ramosa despite treatment with multiple antibiotics. The calf had an underdeveloped thymus gland, making it vulnerable to infections. The fungus spread throughout the calf’s body, affecting the liver and digestive system. This case highlights how prolonged antibiotic use and weakened immunity can allow dangerous fungi to flourish.

Three new species of Talaromyces sect. Talaromyces discovered in China

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Scientists discovered three new species of Talaromyces fungi in soil samples from China. These fungi are important because they can break down plant material for industrial use and produce compounds with medical value, though some related species can cause serious infections in people with weakened immune systems. The researchers identified these new species by studying their physical characteristics and comparing their DNA sequences to known species.

Unraveling the mycobiota of Daqu at the species level using metabarcoding of full-length ITS sequences

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Daqu is a special fermentation starter used to make Baijiu, a traditional Chinese alcohol. Researchers analyzed fungi in 296 Daqu samples from across China using advanced DNA sequencing technology. They identified 86 different fungal species and found that the types of fungi present depend on both the temperature during fermentation and the geographic region where the Daqu is made. These findings could help improve the quality and consistency of Baijiu production.

Cadmium and Lead Tolerance of Filamentous Fungi Isolated from Contaminated Mining Soils

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Researchers isolated six types of fungi from mining-contaminated soil in Mexico that can survive in extremely toxic environments with high levels of lead and cadmium. These fungi have developed special strategies to handle these dangerous metals, with one species, Paecilomyces lilacinus, showing exceptional ability to tolerate both metals simultaneously. These findings suggest these fungi could be used to clean up contaminated soils in mining regions, offering hope for environmental remediation efforts.

Extensive erythematous plaques of fungal origin in an overseas student: Cutaneous manifestation of coccidioidomycosis

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A 21-year-old student studying in Arizona developed unusual skin rashes months after returning to China. Doctors had difficulty diagnosing the condition because it lacked typical symptoms of the fungal infection coccidioidomycosis. By using multiple diagnostic methods including DNA sequencing and fungal culture, they identified the infection as caused by Coccidioides posadasii. When the initial antifungal drug didn’t work, testing showed the fungus was resistant, so they switched to a different antifungal called voriconazole, which successfully cured the infection after 12 months.

Naganishia albidus Causing Perioral Cutaneous Infection: A Rare Case Easily Misdiagnosed

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A 37-year-old construction worker developed unusual scaling and itchy sores around his mouth that worsened despite treatment for eczema. Doctors eventually discovered the infection was caused by a rare yeast fungus called Naganishia albidus, which is almost never seen in healthy people. Using advanced laboratory tests and antifungal medications taken by mouth and applied to the skin, the infection completely cleared within six weeks.

Research Keyword: ITS sequencing